OT in substance abuse recovery

<Link to audio>

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA, defines recovery as “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential” 

Notice this definition doesn’t even refer to substance; NOT using substance does NOT equate wellness!

Hi – I’m occupational therapist Megan Atkinson and I support people who are returning to their homes and communities from residential recovery programs.

I’m talking about the person who is back where they were before they decided to make a huge change in their lives: they are “home”. It’s where they live, but without the go-to activities or people that were part of their previous life, a life that revolved around their substance of choice. This isn’t “home” for people who’ve been living with addiction. I call it the DEPRIVATION ZONE.

Now, we know people have options after inpatient stays - and outpatient programs and recovery meetings offer something incredibly valuable – but how do people in recovery fill in the gaps and make use of their time – between meetings and other obligations?

Occupational therapists are experts in helping people identify and realize habits, roles and routines that support recovery. SAMHSA reminds us that recovery should be client-driven. Our therapeutic relationship is a partnership aimed at full participation and satisfaction in the activities and roles that make up your daily life.  “Our role consists of giving opportunities rather than prescriptions.”

To learn more about what OT looks like in recovery, email me at connect@otmeg.com .

You can sign up for Recovery news and updates when you “subscribe” here.